SURKHET: A total of 300 menstruation huts (chhaugoths) were destroyed in the Surkhet district in the past three days.
Chhaugoth is an isolated and poorly ventilated hut where menstruating women are compelled to stay in at least five to seven days.
Following the government’s instruction to the local administration, a team led by Chief District Officer Basanta Adhikari demolished some 300 such structures in three days.
The administration has initiated the campaign in Panchapuri municipality, Barahatal rural municipality and Chaukune rural municipality of the district.
The traditional custom locally known as Chhaupadi which banishes menstruating women and new mothers from their homes to stay in isolation for a certain number of days exists in these areas.
The huts constructed for observing Chhaupadi are called Chhaugoths.
According to CDO Adhikari, over 1,800 Chhaugoths exist in the Surkhet district.
The Criminal Code has a provision of a three-month jail term and a fine of Rs 3,000 against those who encourage Chhaupadi practice.
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